Member Assistance

In 2018-19, we provided $25,529 in emergency assistance to women affected by life-altering circumstances.

One of the most significant ways we are able to lend a helping hand to sisters is through the Leona Hughes Hughes Heart & Hand Fund and the Betty Nell Wilkinson Emergency Fund. With contributions to these funds, we are able to provide grants to eligible collegiate and alumnae members who have faced tragic and life-altering situations due to natural disasters, medical emergencies, or other unique circumstances.

“I remember being a collegiate member and thinking what a great concept ‘Sisters Helping Sisters’ was, never once thinking I’d ever apply to ask Phi Mu Foundation for assistance as an alumna member. That all changed when Camp Fire – a 153,000-acre wildfire that was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history – destroyed my family’s home and everything inside. The grant I received from Phi Mu Foundation helped my family and me get back on our feet and take one step closer to rebuilding.”

Alisa Wrangham, Eta Sigma (University of California, Merced)

The Leona Hughes Hughes Heart & Hand Fund

The Leona Hughes Hughes Heart & Hand Fund provides emergency grants for collegiate and alumnae members in good standing who experience financial distress due to natural disasters, medical emergencies, or other unique circumstances. Grant amounts vary depending on the need and available funding. Grants are provided to assist members with basic necessities such as food, clothing, housing, immediate or extraordinary medical care, and other purposes. Funds can also assist with educational expenses, such as books and supplies. Chapter dues and obligations are not eligible expenses for grants from this fund. Donors may choose to designate their gifts for the Leona Hughes Hughes Heart & Hand Fund.

Betty Nell Wilkinson Emergency Fund

The Foundation also offers the Betty Nell Wilkinson Emergency Fund for women affected by catastrophic situations such as illness, death, divorce, natural disaster, etc. The Betty Nell Wilkinson Emergency Fund is for educational purposes only and cannot be used to pay for chapter financial obligations. Donors may choose to designate their gifts for the Betty Nell Wilkinson Emergency Fund.

Click here to apply for an emergency grant from the Betty Nell Wilkinson Emergency Fund.